About me

My name is Liana Unger and I am a psychologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 76693) with over 11 years of experience. I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Sonoma State University, and then completed graduate school in 2011 at the University of Southern California.

I have worked with couples in a few different settings including an addiction treatment facility in Malibu, CA, a non-profit in Sonoma County, and a private practice in Silicon Valley. I utilize evidence-based approaches, including Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman Method. This work is rewarding, complex, challenging and engaging. It is amazing to see how the dynamics unfold and it is exciting to see the relationships shift and it is an honor to provide a space for such deep and meaningful conversations; conversations which might not take place otherwise. In looking at a relationship with honesty and vulnerability, awareness and reflection and by having a trusted witness and guide to support this journey, progress takes place in a way that is different from what might take place in individual therapy.

For these reasons, I truly enjoy supporting others as they move through resistance and fear, and as we know, when working with those in relationships with others, resistance and fear often presents themselves. I find, often times, resistance and fear surface more quickly with couples work. Because this sometimes happens more quickly in couples work, there is opportunity for tremendous revelations and realizations which not only shape and impact the couple, but the self, and the individual in relationship to others as well.

Issues and challenges are confronted in a way that is different than when we work with individuals. Ultimately, importantly, it is from this place that clients find their truth, and experience the relief that stems from honesty. They also, through the process of discovery and exploration over time, uncover energy and motivation to act and to change patterns of relating that may have kept them feeling trapped or stagnant for some time.

In support of the individuals and the couple, I integrate traditional psychodynamic and cognitive interventions with mindfulness practices and somatic techniques. Additionally, I employ empirically validated methodologies, a strength-based approach focusing on attachment and relational dynamics, combined with an extensive knowledge about the impacts of trauma, and family systems. It is important, and can be challenging to build rapport and maintain rapport because often the content is so personal, and problems may be confronted in a seemingly more direct way. For this reason, a certain sense of neutrality is required from the therapist and it is important that couples looking for therapy feel they have found a good fit with the therapist of their choosing.

I am incredibly proud to say that I am able to provide the elements I mentioned above so clients can heal and grow individually and together. I often receive feedback that couples therapy is, as one client mentioned, 'just what we needed. A great balance of therapeutic listening, observing, and advising'. If you are interested in learning more about how I work and/or how we can work together I look forward to speaking with you soon!


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Relationships
  • Family conflicts
  • Parenting issues
  • Depression
Also experienced in:
Addictions , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Compassion fatigue , Adoption and Foster Care , Attachment issues , Autism and Asperger Syndrome , Caregiver issues and stress , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 11

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

CA LCSW 76693


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Liana Unger. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Regain might be different.

Written on Apr 26, 2022 after therapy with Liana for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning relationship

Liana is absolutely amazing. She has helped my partner and I so much in the last few years. She is professional, caring, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable of relationships and issues that couples may be experiencing. She has helped me immensely understand my own feelings and actions and how they are perceived by others, especially a partner. After working with Liana for some time now, I encourage all couples to work with a counselor, regardless of their relationship status or strength. It has been so helpful and invaluable to myself and my partner. Thanks Liana!

Work with me!